Friends Hospice

Major Events of Friends Hospice:

September, 2003

First conversation about a Quaker hospice during a break at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Interim Meeting

March, 2004

Interest Group at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions

May to August, 2004

Organizing meetings occur frequently to consider how Friends are called to respond to this concern. In August the decision is made to found Friends Hospice Project of Philadelphia

August to September, 2004

Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and application for tax-exempt status filed. The founding Board of Trustees is named.

August 20th, 2004

Friends Hospice is incorporated. In February 2005 the 501(c)(3) is approved retroactive to August

October, 2004

First full meeting of the Board of Trustees at Pendle Hill. Board meets monthly thereafter.

January, 2005

Friends Hospice Project moved into its first office at Friends Center - all volunteer staff

April, 2005

Our first full-day workshop: “Caring for Friends at End-of-Life” is presented by board members and others at Plymouth Meeting.

July, 2005

The first staff member starts on salary. Major areas of concentration are education, community outreach and fundraising.

October, 2005

Our second workshop: “Caring for Friends at End-of-Life” is held at Plymouth Meeting.

November, 2005

Friends Hospice moves to expanded offices at 706 West Girard Avenue. One full time, one part time staff members and a full time volunteer make up the team.

2006

A year of program development, workshops, community outreach and fundraising.

January to June 2007

Preparation, policy and program development in preparation for licensure and opening of a hospice agency to serve all who need services.

July 2007

The license application for Friends Hospice is submitted to the State of Pennsylvania

July to November 2007

Program and policy development, staff hiring and training, systems design and testing continue

September 28, 2007

Friends Hospice receives hospice licensure from Pennsylvania

December 4th, 2007

Friends Hospice admits it’s first participant: a non-English speaking immigrant with end-stage cancer and new to Philadelphia

December 7th, 2007

Friends Hospice receives Medicare certification.